More than 2000 dogs from over 193 breeds participated in this year’s National Dog Show held on November 16-17, but a bulldog named Thor emerged as the best of them all.
His handler, Eduardo Paris, had nothing but praises for the canine wonder after he was announced Best in Show.
“He’s a dog that always gives everything. I discovered him in South America, and I love this dog. That’s all for me. He’s a very complete dog. He’s not just one piece, he’s many pieces together. He moves like a dream. I love this dog,” he said.
Towards the end of the two-hour competition, the final seven came down to Nick, the Siberian Husky; Daniel, the Golden Retriever; Maddie, the Pharaoh Hound; Sophia, the Old English Sheepdog; Blaine, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier; Thor, the Bulldog; and Bono, the Havanese.
But in the end, this good boy Thor bested all these amazing breeds!
The dog is two years old and is about 60 pounds heavy. According to Eduardo, Thor is an “active and sweet dog and very athletic”.
“You should see how high he can jump. He loves to play with his kennel-mate Chihuahuas, and he has beautiful construction, I think that’s why he won,” he said after the event aired on NBC during Thanksgiving Day.
The actual show was held on November 16-17 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, PA, but it was only until it was aired on November 28 that Thor gained national shine.
The National Dog Show – formerly known as The Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show – has been ongoing since 1879 and is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club.
In 2002, NBC Sports began televising the show after Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, with over 20 million people tuning in to the program every year. For the past 18 years, watching the annual event has become a family tradition for most people.
This year’s program was hosted once again by John O’Hurley, former Seinfeld star, winner of Dancing with the Stars, and purebred owner, along with Mary Carillo. Of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without the commentary of the “dean of dog show commentators”, David Frei.
According to NBC, 46 dog breeds have been introduced to the event since 2003. But what made this year’s program more exciting was the entry of a new breed – an Azawakh.
In a release, it was described as a “loyal, independent and deeply affectionate sight-hound known for its short coat, long and lean appearance and excellent companionship and guardianship.”
Congratulations on the win, Thor and Eduardo!
Watch the full judging portion of the show in the video below.
Tickets for next year’s show happening on November 14-15, 2020, will go on sale the first week of June.